Dear friends,
I fell in love for the first time when I was 12 years old. I spent every day with Ali, the boy next door. But I had to keep it a secret from everyone I knew.
My name is Reza* and I'm a gay refugee from Iran. One day, I saw my uncle and father brutally beating my cousin. My cousin is also gay and he was punished for it. That's when I forced myself to stop seeing Ali. I was terrified and heartbroken.
Years later, my parents tried to force me to marry a woman. I couldn't bear living a lie anymore. I had to flee my home.
I made it safely to Europe, but life was hardly better. I was attacked for being gay in a shelter. Things were so bad, I tried to take my own life.
But there's hope. I found out about a German group called Homosexuelle Selbsthilfe. They provide LGBT refugees like me with the crucial legal and translation services we need to secure asylum. The standard processes just don't work for us. But with countless queer refugees fleeing their homes in the Middle East every day, Homosexuelle Selbsthilfe's funds and resources are drying up.
We need 895 more All Out members to chip in to help at least 27 LGBT refugees.
Eventually, I made my way to Germany, but it wasn't easy.
My caseworker at the refugee agency was friendly, but I don't speak German and we couldn't communicate at all. I was given an interpreter, but quickly realised they were homophobic. I found myself terrified once again to be honest about myself and why I left Iran. My case was dismissed and I was told I'd be sent back.
Luckily, Homosexuelle Selbsthilfe helped me get a lawyer and a new, LGBT-friendly interpreter, free of charge. I was able to tell my story. It became clear it wasn't safe for me to return to Iran. I was finally granted asylum.
Now more than ever, there are so many other people like me desperately looking for help. That's why All Out is partnering with Homosexuelle Selbsthilfe to cover legal and translation costs for LGBT asylum seekers.
Thanks for going All Out,
Reza*
*I'm not using my real name, for my own protection
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